Jim Leste named chief administrative officer for UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Jim Leste, MS, FACHE, has been named the chief administrative officer of UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, effective July 29.
Leste currently serves as vice president of operations for Children’s Minnesota—which cares for kids throughout the upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics, and seven rehabilitation sites.
“Jim is a strong advocate of family and patient-centered care, and his health care leadership experience shows a strong focus on building strong and inclusive relationships and partnerships," says Brad Haws, MBA, chief executive officer of UI Health Care’s clinical enterprise. “We’re looking forward to having him join our children’s hospital team in serving our youngest patients and their families.”
Leste is board certified as a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and has held various leadership positions within Children’s Minnesota over the last two decades—including vice president of support operations; senior director of surgical specialties; director of safety, security, and emergency management; among others.
He is a board member and past board chair of Life Link III, the largest consortium owned critical care air medical transport company in the country. He has also served in an adjunct faculty role at Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota.
“For 25 years, my professional career has been about helping kids,” Leste says. “It's an honor to be able to continue that work at UI Health Care and Stead Family Children's Hospital. This organization is a shining example of clinical excellence and family-centered pediatric care with a best-in-class reputation. I'm grateful to be joining this team of exceptional professionals and look forward to working side-by-side with them to continue the mission of helping kids.”
As chief administrative officer of Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Leste will provide on-site leadership, which includes managing financial performance, clinical quality, and employee, physician, and community relations.
Melissa Whisler, MBA, MHA, served in this position on an interim basis since January 2023. She will continue as chief of staff to the CEO of the clinical enterprise.